Articulating drill method and apparatus for cutting openings in nested strings of underwater piping and or tubing for overturned wells or platforms

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for angularly drilling during a tapping procedure into a pressurized multiple strings of coaxially situated tubulars for wells and/or platforms which have overturned wherein the tapping occurs underwater via a diver or remotely operated vehicle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/751,418,filed Mar. 31, 2010 (issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 8,616,811 on Dec. 31,2013), which application both claims the benefit of and is anon-provisional of U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No.61/165,475, filed Mar. 31, 2009. Each of these applications areincorporated herein by reference and priority to each is hereby claimed.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND

Abandonment Procedure for Wells on a Platform That Has Fallen over.There are basically two ways to restore control of the wells on aplatform that has fallen over. Abandon the wells completely in the orderthey are accessed, or remove the bent or broken portion of the well andinstall a subsea wellhead. However, when removing the bent or brokenpart of the pipe such piping may still be under pressure such pressuredealt with before removal. Otherwise, a blow out could occur.

The present invention relates to the cutting of multiple nested (e.g.,coaxial) strings of underwater piping and/or tubing for overturned wellsand/or platforms using a specially configured articulating drillapparatus and method.

Under pressure drilling or hot tapping is the process of drilling into apressured pipe or vessel using special equipment and procedures toensure that the pressure and fluids are safely contained when access ismade. The most common example of a hot tap is into a pressured pipeline.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment is provided an articulating saw for use in a hottapping method and apparatus which can hot tap one or more multiplecoaxial strings of underwater piping and/or tubing for overturned wellsand/or platforms.

In one embodiment is provided a clamping system which has angularadjustment of tapping tool both up and down and side to side, in aspherical manner.

In one embodiment is provided an articulating drill system which can bepivotally mounted on the clamp for hot tapping tool. In one embodimentdrill system can be lowered with clamp while pivotally mounted on clamp.In one embodiment drill system is attached to clamp while underwater.

In one embodiment an articulating saw can have articulating adjustmentsof at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35,36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85,and 90 degree increments. In one embodiment the rotational adjustabilityis between about any two of the above specified angular increments.

The present invention provides an articulating drill system for cuttingone or more tubular members. The apparatus includes a drill base and anarticulating boom attached at one end portion to the base. The boomincludes a first arm, a second arm, and pivotal connections joining thefirst and second arms. The plate supports a plate having a plateopening, wherein the plate is attached to the second arm and the base isattached to the first arm. A drill motor has a motor, a cutting tip, anda cutting axis. The drill motor is supported upon the base. A clampingmechanism enables the plate to be attached to a tubular that is to becut, the clamping mechanism generally aligning the plate opening withthe tubular. The clamping mechanism and plate support the articulatingboom, drill and drill base. The articulating boom enables selectiveplacement of the drill cutting tip relative to the plate opening,including angulation of the cutting axis relative to the plate opening.

In one embodiment, the articulating drill system provides an adjustmentmechanism interfacing the drill motor and the base, the adjustmentmechanism enabling selective movement of the drill motor toward or awayfrom the articulating boom.

In one embodiment, the drill motor is movable upon the base along alongitudinal axis.

In one embodiment, the drill motor is movable upon the base along atransverse axis.

In one embodiment, the drill motor is movable upon the base alongintersecting longitudinal and transverse axes.

In one embodiment, the base includes a base plate and a motor mount andwherein the drill motor is attached to the motor mount and wherein saidadjustment mechanism is in between the motor mount and the base plate.

In one embodiment, the motor that is attached to the motor mount.

In one embodiment, the cutting tip is a generally cylindrically shapedcutting member.

In one embodiment, the plate is pivotally attached to the first arm.

In one embodiment, the plate is pivotally attached to the first arm witha pivot pin, the plate and first arm being adjustably connected at thepivot pin, enabling the elevation of the plate to be changed relative tothe first arm.

In one embodiment, the drill base includes a first lower base plate anda second higher base plate, the first base plate and second base platebeing movable, one relative to the other.

In one embodiment, the lower base plate has rails and the upper baseplate travels upon the rails.

In one embodiment, the drill base includes a motor mount that travelsupon the upper base plate.

In one embodiment, the upper base plate slides upon the lower base platealong a first axis.

In one embodiment, the drill base includes a motor mount, and the motormount slides upon the upper base plate along a second axis that forms anangle with the first axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages ofthe present invention, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription, read in conjunction with the following drawings, whereinlike reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a platform which has fallenover and needs to be plugged and abandoned (with two riser pipingsystems although up to 24 or more riser piping systems can be seen).

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the step of lowering oneembodiment of a hot tap housing and attaching the housing to one of theriser piping systems (below the bend in the riser). The articulatingdrill method and apparatus can be used with multiple types of hot taphousings and is not limited to the particular hot tap housing shown (andcan be used with systems beyond hot tap systems).

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the step of tightening the hottap housing below the bend in the riser.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the step of lowering a hot taptool which will be attached to the hot tap housing for hot tapping oneor more of the nested tubulars.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the step of hot tapping one ormore of the nested tubulars.

FIG. 6 is a closeup perspective view of a hot tap tool attached to ahousing.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the step of lowering oneembodiment of an articulating saw and attaching the articulating saw tothe hot tap housing (shown in FIG. 5). The saw can be pivotally attachedto the hot tap housing via a pin on one side and a support plate onanother side. The saw also has an articulating and sliding support joinfor the rotating saw shaft

FIG. 8 shows the saw attached to the hot tap housing and positioned tomake a cut in one of the nested tubulars.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a diver using the articulating saw andthe diver looking thru the stabilizer and hot tap housing forpositioning the saw tip to make a cut.

FIG. 10 is a schematic partial top view of one embodiment illustratingthe step of making an opening in a first exterior pipe.

FIG. 11 is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10schematically illustrating the step of making an opening in the secondpipe.

FIG. 12 is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10illustrating the step of hot tapping of a third interior pipe.

FIG. 13 is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10schematically illustrating the step of making an opening in the thirdpipe.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an articulating drillsystem where the system is swung away from the plate.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the articulating drill system of FIG.14 where the system is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same andin the center of main plate opening.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the articulating drill system of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the articulating drill system of FIG. 14 wherethe system is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same and in thecenter of main plate opening with the drill tip having passed throughmain plate opening.

FIG. 18 is a top view of the articulating drill system of FIG. 14 wherethe system is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same and in thecenter of main plate opening with the double arrow schematicallyindicating that drill tip can move back and forth through main plateopening.

FIG. 19 is a top view of the articulating drill system of FIG. 14 wherethe system is connected to the plate, angled from same and in the centerof main plate opening with the two sets of double arrows schematicallyindicating that drill tip can move back and forth through main plateopening along with rotating back and forth.

FIG. 20 is a top view of the articulating drill system of FIG. 16 wherethe system is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same and offsetin the left direction of the arrow from the center of main plateopening.

FIG. 21 is a top view of the articulating drill system of FIG. 16 wherethe system is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same and offsetin the right direction of the arrow from the center of main plateopening.

FIG. 22 is a top view of the articulating drill system of FIG. 16 wherethe system is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same and offsetin the left direction of the arrow from the center of main plate openingand the drill tip is passed through the main opening.

FIG. 23 is a top view of the articulating drill system of FIG. 16 wherethe system is connected to the plate, angled from a perpendicular tosame as indicated by the arrows, where and the drill tip is passedthrough the main opening.

FIG. 24 is a top view of the articulating drill system of FIG. 16 wherethe system is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same and offsetin the right direction of the arrow from the center of main plateopening and the drill tip is passed through the main opening.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a hot tap housing being placed onthe riser piping system.

FIG. 26 is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 25illustrating the step of hot tapping of a first exterior pipe.

FIG. 27 is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 25schematically illustrating the step of making an opening in the firstexterior pipe.

FIG. 28 is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 25illustrating the step of hot tapping of a second interior pipe whereinthe second interior pipe is concentrically located within the firstpipe.

FIG. 29 is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 25illustrating the step of hot tapping of a second interior pipe whereinthe second interior pipe is non-concentrically located (angularly offsetfrom a perpendicular) within the first pipe.

FIG. 30 is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 25schematically illustrating the step of making an opening in the secondpipe.

FIG. 31 is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 25illustrating the step of hot tapping of a third interior pipe whereinthe third interior pipe is concentrically located within the first pipe.

FIG. 32 is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 25illustrating the step of hot tapping of a third interior pipe whereinthe third interior pipe is non-concentrically located (angularly offsetfrom a perpendicular) within the first pipe.

FIG. 33 is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 25schematically illustrating the step of making an opening in the thirdpipe.

FIG. 34 is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 25illustrating the step of hot tapping of a fourth pipe or tubing wherethe hot tapping tool is angularly offset from a perpendicular to assistin making the hot tapping seal between the tip and the pipe along withpushing the fourth pipe or tubing back, and to a location where itcontacts the third interior pipe and enough backward resistance by thefourth pipe or tubing to maintain a good seal between the tip of the hottap tool and the surface of the fourth pipe or tubing.

FIG. 35 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of an articulatingdrill system for making openings through the different pipes shownswiveled out of the way of the clamp where the system is connected tothe plate, angled from same and in the center of main plate opening withthe two sets of double arrows schematically indicating that drill tipcan move back and forth through main plate opening along with rotatingback and forth.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the articulating drill system of FIG.35.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the articulating drill system of FIG.35 shown in position to make a cut through one of the pipes, where thesystem is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same and in thecenter of main plate opening with the double arrow schematicallyindicating that drill tip can move back and forth through main plateopening.

FIG. 38 is a top view of the articulating drill system of FIG. 37 wherethe drill tip has been moved in a position to make a cut and thestabilizer has been attached to stabilize the drill tip when making acut.

FIG. 39 is a top view of the articulating drill system shown in theposition of FIG. 37 where the drill tip has been moved through the plate(and the articulating joint of the stabilizer) and towards an item to becut.

FIG. 40 is a top view of the articulating drill system of FIG. 37, wherethe system is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same and offsetin the right direction of the arrow from the center of main plateopening, and where the drill tip (and the articulating joint of thedrill shaft stabilizer) has been shifted to the right from aperpendicular and the drill tip has been moved in a position to make acut at such angle.

FIG. 41 is a top view of the articulating drill system shown in theposition of FIG. 40, where the system is connected to the plate,perpendicular to same and offset in the right direction of the arrowfrom the center of main plate opening and the drill tip is passedthrough the main opening, where the drill tip has been moved through theplate (and the articulating joint of the stabilizer) and towards an itemto be cut.

FIG. 42 is a top view of the articulating drill system of FIG. 40, wherethe system is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same and offsetin the left direction of the arrow from the center of main plateopening, and where the drill tip (and the articulating joint of thedrill shaft stabilizer) has been shifted to the left from aperpendicular and the drill tip has been moved in a position to make acut at such angle.

FIG. 43 is a top view of the articulating drill system shown in theposition of FIG. 42, where the system is connected to the plate,perpendicular to same and offset in the left direction of the arrow fromthe center of main plate opening and the drill tip is passed through themain opening, and where the drill tip has been moved through the plate(and the articulating joint of the stabilizer) and towards an item to becut.

FIG. 44 is a top view of the articulating drill system of FIG. 35, wherethe system is connected to the plate, angled from a perpendicular tosame as indicated by the arrows, where and the drill tip is passedthrough the main opening, and where the drill tip (along with thearticulating joint of the stabilizer) has been angled from aperpendicular and the drill tip has been moved in a position to make acut at such angle, and the stabilizer joint has also angled to allow thedrill shaft to angle. Of course the system can be angled in the oppositeangular direction.

FIG. 45 is a top view of the articulating drill system, where the systemis connected to the plate, angled from a perpendicular to same asindicated by the arrows, where and the drill tip is passed through themain opening, and where the drill tip has been moved through the plate(and the articulating joint of the stabilizer) and towards an item to becut.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a stabilizer system for the drill shaftand bit.

FIG. 47 is an exploded view of the stabilizer system of FIG. 46.

FIGS. 48, 49, and 50 are front, side and top views of the stabilizersystem of FIG. 46.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a damaged marine platform 1. The platform 1 can be anyoffshore or marine platform such as a drilling platform, productionplatform or the like. Such a platform is normally supported by anunderwater jacket 4 that is anchored to seabed 2. When a fierce stormsuch as a hurricane strikes, the upper 5 can be separated from jacket 4by wind and wave action at water surface area 3. Upper 5 can be anyknown above water upper such as drilling (e.g., derrick 7) or productionstructures having one or more decks 6. When a hurricane separates upper5 from jacket 4, tubulars 50 can remain under pressure though bent atbends 8 as shown. Often, multiple nested tubulars are present.

One embodiment includes an articulating drill system 1100 which can beused in the process of hot tapping a string of a plurality of pipes ortubing system. The plurality of pipes can include first pipe 50, secondpipe 60, third pipe 70, and fourth pipe or tubing 80. Between first andsecond pipes is annular space 62. Between second and third pipes isannular space 72. Between third and fourth pipes is annular space 82(see FIGS. 9 and 10).

In one embodiment articulating drill system can be used with a hot tapsystem 10, which can include adjustable clamp 100 (see FIGS. 2-24). Inone embodiment hot tap system 10 can include a plate 200 and one or morechains 150. In one embodiment adjustable clamp 100 can include first andsecond plates 200, 200′ and are threadably connected to each other andcan be frictionally connected to a pipe.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the step of lowering a hot taphousing 100 (two plate embodiment) and a diver 9 attaching the housingto one of the riser piping systems (e.g. nested tubulars 50, 60, 70, 80)below the bend 8 in the riser 50, 60, 70, 80. FIG. 3 is a perspectiveview illustrating the step of the diver 9 tightening the hot tap housing100 (two plate embodiment) below the bend in the riser. FIG. 4 is aperspective view illustrating the step of lowering to a diver 9 (from asurface vessel, not shown) the hot tap tool 2000 along with a hot taptip and housing which will be attached to the hot tap housing 100 forhot tapping one or more of the nested tubulars 50, 60, 70, 80.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the step of a diver 9 hottapping one or more of the nested tubulars 50, 60, 70, 80 where the hottap tool is rotatively connected to the circular thrust/articulatingplate at a selected rotational position. The one or more windows in thethrust plate allow the user (e.g. diver 9) to see the tip of the hot taptool 2000 to obtain a good position between the hot tap tip and thenested tubular 50 or 60 or 70 or 80 being hot tapped.

FIG. 6 is a closeup perspective view of hot tap tool 2000 after beingconnected to the hot tap housing 100.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the step of lowering thearticulating saw 1100 to a diver 9 for use in the hot tapping process.In FIG. 8, the diver 9 is shown attaching the articulating saw 1100 tothe hot tap housing 100. The saw 1100 can be pivotally attached to thehot tap housing 100 via a pin on one side and a support plate on anotherside. The saw 1100 also has an articulating and sliding support join forthe rotating saw shaft. FIG. 8 shows the saw 1100 attached to the hottap housing 100 and positioned to make a cut in one of the nestedtubulars 50, 60, 70, 80. FIG. 9 is a closeup perspective view of a diver9 using the hot tap tool 2000. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a diver 9using the articulating saw 1100.

In one embodiment first plate 200 can comprise first side 210, secondside 220, a main opening 230, and a plurality of openings 240 forsupporting a compression plate. Main opening 230 is designed to allowaccess through first plate 200 (from first side 210 and through secondside 220) (see FIGS. 2-24).

Between the steps of hot tapping nested tubulars, drill system 1100 canbe swung (e.g., pivoted on pin 294) out of the way so that diver 9 canuse hot tapping tool 200 without drill system 1100 being in the way.Also between steps of hot tapping nested tubulars, articulating drillsystem 1100 can remain attached to outside pipe 50 (e.g., by beingpivotally attached to pin 294 of hot tap clamp 100 which is connected topipe 50).

In FIGS. 14-24 and 35-45, one embodiment articulating drill system 1100can include first arm 1110, second arm 1120, base 1150, and connectionplate 1500. First arm 1110 can be pivotally connected to second arm1120. Second arm 1120 can be pivotally connected to base 1150. Base 1150can be pivotally connected to connection plate 1500.

Drill 1300 can be attached to base 1150. Drill 1300 can comprise motor1320 and cutting tip 1400 which is rotationally connected to motor 1320.

Longitudinal track system 1160 can allow controlled longitudinalmovement (e.g., along the longitudinal direction of base 1150) of drill1300 such as by a screw and thread system. Track system 1160 can includea quick release/quick lock system which longitudinally locks theposition of drill 1300 relative to base 1150.

Perpendicular track system 1200 can allow controlled perpendicularmovement (e.g., perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of base1150) of drill 1300 such as by a screw and thread system. Track system1200 can include a quick release/quick lock system which perpendicularlylocks the position of drill 1300 relative to base 1150.

Longitudinal and perpendicular track systems 1160 and 1200 canrespectively longitudinally and perpendicularly adjust the position ofdrill 1300 and tip 1400.

Drill system 1100 can be pivotally connected to first plate 200, such asby pin 294.

Connection plate 1500 can be used to partially positionally lock drillsystem 1100 relative to first plate 200. Even when partially locked,drill 1300 can be pivoted relative to first plate 200 through pivotingjoint 1510. Quick release/quick lock 1550 when unlocked allows forpivoting. However, locking quick release/quick lock 1550 preventsfurther pivoting movement of drill 1300.

FIG. 10 is a schematic top view schematically illustrating the step ofmaking an opening 51 in the first exterior pipe 50.

FIG. 11 is a schematic top view schematically illustrating the step ofmaking an opening 61 in the second pipe 60.

FIG. 12 is a schematic top view of hot tapping system 10 illustratingthe step of hot tapping a third interior pipe 70.

FIG. 13 is a schematic top view of system 10 illustrating the step ofhot tapping a fourth pipe or tubing 80 where the hot tapping tool 2000is angularly offset (by angle theta) from a perpendicular to assist inmaking the hot tapping seal between the tip 2010 and the pipe 80, alongwith the step of using a second tool 3000 to provide support for thetubing 80 when making a seal between the hot tapping tool tip 2010 andthe tubing 80.

FIGS. 14-15 are perspective views of one embodiment of an articulatingdrill system 1100 for making openings through the different pipes withdrill system 1100 shown swiveled out of the way of the clamp 100.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the articulating drill system 1100 shown in thesame position as FIG. 14. FIG. 17 is a top view of the articulatingdrill 100 in the position of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a top view of articulating drill system 1100 with the doublearrows indicating that drill tip 1400 can move back and forth throughplate 200.

FIG. 19 is a top view of articulating drill system 1100 where the drilltip 1400 has been angled from a perpendicular and the drill tip 1400 hasbeen moved in a position to make a cut at such angle.

FIG. 20 is a top view of the articulating drill system 1100 where thesystem is connected to the plate 200, perpendicular to same and offsetin the left direction of the arrow from the center of main plate opening230.

FIG. 21 is a top view of the articulating drill system 1100 where thesystem is connected to the plate 200, perpendicular to same and offsetin the right direction of the arrow from the center of main plateopening 230.

FIG. 22 is a top view of the articulating drill system 1100 where thesystem is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same and offset inthe left direction of the arrow from the center of main plate opening230 and the drill tip 1400 is passed through the main opening 230.

FIG. 23 is a top view of the articulating drill system 1100 where thesystem is connected to the plate 200, angled from a perpendicular tosame as indicated by the arrows, where and the drill tip 1400 is passedthrough the main opening 230.

FIG. 24 is a top view of the articulating drill system 1100 where thesystem is connected to the plate 200, perpendicular to same and offsetin the right direction of the arrow from the center of main plateopening 230 and the drill tip 1400 is passed through the main opening230.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a hot tap housing 100 being placedon the riser piping system. FIG. 26 is a schematic top view of hot taphousing 100 generally illustrating the step of hot tapping of a firstexterior pipe 50.

FIG. 27 is a schematic top view of articulating saw system 1100schematically illustrating the step of making an opening in the firstexterior pipe 50.

FIG. 28 is a schematic top view of a hot tap housing 100 illustratingthe step of hot tapping of a second interior pipe 60 wherein the secondinterior pipe is concentrically located within the first pipe. FIG. 29is a schematic top view of hot tap housing 100 illustrating the step ofhot tapping of a second interior pipe 60 wherein the second interiorpipe 60 is non-concentrically located (angularly offset from aperpendicular) within the first pipe 50.

FIG. 30 is a schematic top view of the articulating saw system 1100schematically illustrating the step of making an opening in the secondpipe 60.

FIG. 31 is a schematic top view showing hot tap housing 100 hot tappinga third interior pipe 70 wherein the third interior pipe 70 isconcentrically located within the first pipe 50. FIG. 32 schematicallyshows hot tap housing being used to hot tap third interior pipe 70wherein the third interior pipe 70 is non-concentrically located(angularly offset from a perpendicular) within the first pipe 50.

FIG. 33 is a schematic top view of articulating saw system 1100schematically illustrating the step of making an opening in the thirdpipe 70.

FIG. 34 is a schematic top view showing hot tap housing 100 illustratingthe step of hot tapping of a fourth pipe or tubing 80 where the hottapping tool 2000 is angularly offset from a perpendicular to assist inmaking the hot tapping seal between the tip and the pipe along withpushing the fourth pipe or tubing 80 back, and to a location where itcontacts the third interior pipe 70 and enough backward resistance bythe fourth pipe or tubing 80 to maintain a good seal between the tip2010 of the hot tap tool 2000 and the surface of the fourth pipe ortubing 80.

FIG. 35 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of an articulatingdrill system 1100 for making openings through the different pipes (e.g.,pipes 50, 60, and 70) shown swiveled out of the way of the clamp wherethe system 1100 is connected to the plate 200, angled from same and inthe center of main plate opening with the two sets of double arrowsschematically indicating that drill tip can move back and forth throughmain plate opening along with rotating back and forth. FIG. 36 is aperspective view of the articulating drill system 1100.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of articulating drill system 1100 shown ina centered position to make a cut through one of the pipes (e.g., pipes50, 60, and 70), where the system is connected to the plate 200,perpendicular to same and in the center of main plate opening with thedouble arrow schematically indicating that drill tip 1400 can move backand forth through main plate opening.

FIG. 38 is a top view of the articulating drill system 1100 where thedrill tip 1400 has been moved in a position to make a cut and thestabilizer 110 has been attached to stabilize the drill tip 1400 whenmaking a cut. FIG. 39 is a top view of the articulating drill system1100 (shown in the position of FIG. 38), where the drill tip 1400 hasbeen moved through the plate 200 (and the articulating joint of thestabilizer 110) and towards an item to be cut (e.g., pipes 50, 60, and70).

FIG. 40 is a top view of the articulating drill system 1100, where thesystem 1100 is connected to the plate 200, perpendicular to same andoffset in the right direction of the arrow from the center of main plateopening, and where the drill tip 1400 (and the articulating joint of thedrill shaft stabilizer 110) has been shifted to the right from aperpendicular and the drill tip 1400 has been moved in a position tomake a cut at such shifted position. FIG. 41 is a top view of thearticulating drill system 1100 (shown in the position of FIG. 40), wherethe system 1100 is connected to the plate 200, perpendicular to same andoffset in the right direction of the arrow from the center of main plateopening and the drill tip 1400 is passed through the main opening, wherethe drill tip 1400 has been moved through the plate (and thearticulating joint of the stabilizer 110) and towards an item to be cut(e.g., pipes 50, 60, and 70).

FIG. 42 is a top view of the articulating drill system 1100, where thesystem 1100 is connected to the plate 200, perpendicular to same andoffset in the left direction of the arrow from the center of main plateopening, and where the drill tip 1400 (and the articulating joint of thedrill shaft stabilizer 110) has been shifted to the left from aperpendicular, and the drill tip 1400 has been moved in a position tomake a cut at such angle. FIG. 43 is a top view of the articulatingdrill system 1100 (shown in the position of FIG. 42), where the system1100 is connected to the plate 200, perpendicular to same and offset inthe left direction of the arrow from the center of main plate opening,and the drill tip 1400 is passed through the main opening, and where thedrill tip 1400 has been moved through the plate (and the articulatingjoint of the stabilizer 110) and towards an item to be cut (e.g., pipes50, 60, and 70).

FIG. 44 is a top view of the articulating drill system 1100, where thesystem 1100 is connected to the plate 200, angled from a perpendicularto same as indicated by the arrow, where and the drill tip 1400 ispassed through the main opening, and where the drill tip 1400 (alongwith the articulating joint of the stabilizer 110) has been angled froma perpendicular, and the stabilizer joint 110 has also angled to allowthe drill shaft to angle. Of course the system can be angled in theopposite angular direction. FIG. 45 is a top view of the articulatingdrill system 1100 (shown in the position of FIG. 44), where and thedrill tip 1400 has passed through the main opening, and where the drilltip 1400 has been moved through the plate 200 (and the articulatingjoint of the stabilizer 110) and towards an item to be cut (e.g., pipes50, 60, and 70).

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a stabilizer system 110 for the drillshaft and bit 1400. FIGS. 48, 49, and 50 are front, side and top viewsof the stabilizer system 110 of FIG. 46. FIG. 47 is an exploded view ofthe stabilizer system 110 of FIG. 46.

Stabilizer system 110 includes a plate 111 having central slot 114 andplate openings 112, 113. The plate 111 is clamped or sandwiched inbetween housing sections 117, 125 with bearing 115 in between. Bearing115 is an annular bearing that is sized and shaped to fit cavity 118 ofhousing section 117 while enabling bearing 115 to pivot with hot tappingtool that passes through opening 116. Clamps or bolts 121, 122 can beloosened to allow bearing 115 (and a hot tapping tool) to pivot whilebeing supported by the bearing 115 and the housing sections and plate111, 117, 125. Each clamp or bolt can have a lever or handle 123 or 124for enabling a user (e.g. diver 9) to tighten the bolts or clamps 121,122 once a selected angular position of the hot tapping tool isselected. Housing section 125 has surface 130 which slides upon surface134 of plate 111. Housing section 125 has surface 131 which slides uponsurface 135 of plate 111. Housing section 132 slides upon rear surface136 of plate 111. In this fashion, a user such as diver 9 can loosenbolts or clamps 121, 122 and slide the housing sections 117, 125laterally relative to plate 111. The plate 111 can be bolted to aselected part of clamp 100 using bolted connections at plate openings112, 113. The housing section 125 has internally threaded openings 126,127 that accept threaded portions 138 or 139 of bolts 121 or 122.

The following is a list of Reference numerals which are used in thisapplication.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS Reference Number Description 1 damagedplatform 2 seabed 3 water surface 4 jacket 5 upper 6 deck area 7 derrick8 bend 9 driver 10 system 50 first pipe 51 opening 60 second pipe 61opening 62 annular space between first and second pipes 70 third pipe 71opening 72 annular space between second and third pipes 80 fourth pipeor tubing 82 annular space between third and fourth pipes 84 interior offourth pipe or tubing 100 clamp 110 stabilizer system 111 plate 112plate opening 113 plate opening 114 plate slot 115 annular bearing 116central opening 117 first bearing housing section 118 cavity 119 opening120 opening 121 bolt 122 bolt 123 lever/handle 124 lever/handle 125second bearing housing section 126 internally threaded opening 127internally threaded opening 128 upper part 129 lower part 130 upper flatsurface 131 lower flat surface 132 middle flat surface 133 opening 134upper flat plate surface 135 lower flat plate surface 136 rear flatplate surface 137 front flat plate surface 138 threaded portion 139threaded portion 150 chain 200 first plate 210 first side 220 secondside 230 main opening 240 plurality of openings 294 pin 299 pin 500compression plate 510 first side 520 second side 530 plurality ofsupport openings 550 main opening 551 offset from centerline 552 arrow554 arrow 560 tapered area 580 view opening 582 view opening 584 viewopening 586 view opening 800 swivel nut 1100 articulating drillsystem/articulating saw 1110 first arm 1120 second arm 1122 pivotconnection between first and second arms 1150 base 1152 pivot connectionbetween second arm and base 1160 longitudinal track system 1170 handlefor longitudinal track system 1200 perpendicular track system 1210handle for perpendicular track system 1300 drill 1320 drill motor 1400cutting tip 1410 arrow 1420 arrow 1500 connection plate 1502 pluralityof openings 1510 pivoting joint between connection plate and base 1550quick release/quick lock for pivoting joint 2000 hot tapping system 2010tip 2050 barrel 2100 hot tap drill 2110 drill bit

All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature andpressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. Allmaterials used or intended to be used in a human being arebiocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.

The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; thescope of the present invention is to be limited only by the followingclaims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An articulating drill system for cuttingone or more tubular members, compromising: (a) a drill base; (b) anarticulating boom including a first arm, a second arm, a pivotalconnection joining the first and second arms, and a plate having a plateopening, wherein the first arm is pivotally attached to the drill base,and the plate is pivotally attached to the second arm; (c) a drillhaving a drill motor and a cutting tip rotatively connected to the drilland a cutting axis upon which the cutting tip rotates; (d) a clampingmechanism attached to the plate that enables the plate to be attached toa tubular that is to be cut, the clamping mechanism generally aligningthe plate opening with the tubular; (e) wherein the clamping mechanismand plate support the articulating boom, drill and drill base; and (f)the articulating boom enabling selective placement of the cutting tiprelative to the plate opening, including angulation of the cutting axisrelative to the plate opening.
 2. The articulating drill system of claim1, wherein the plate is pivotally attached to the second arm at aplurality of selectable locations on the plate.
 3. The articulatingdrill system of claim 1 further including a drill bit stabilizerrotatively connected to the drill bit and stabilizing the cutting axisupon which the cutting tip rotates, the stabilizer being detachablyconnected to the plate, the stabilizer including a bearing which canpivot along with the cutting axis upon which the cutting tip rotatesalso pivots.
 4. The articulating drill system of claim 1, furtherincluding a cutting tip stabilizer rotatively connected to the cuttingtip and stabilizing the cutting axis upon which the cutting tip rotates,the cutting tip stabilizer including first and second stabilizerportions which are slidably connected to each other, the firststabilizer portion being detachably connected to the plate, and thesecond stabilizer portion being rotatively connected to the cutting tip,and further including a stabilizer sliding lock having a first unlockedcondition and a second locked condition, wherein in the first unlockedcondition the first and the second stabilizer portions of the cuttingtip stabilizer can slide relative to each other and in the second lockedcondition the first and second stabilizer portions of the cutting tipstabilizer are locked from sliding relative to each other.
 5. Thearticulating drill system of claim 1, further compromising an adjustmentmechanism interfacing the drill and the drill base, said adjustmentmechanism enabling selective movement of the drill toward or away fromthe articulating boom.
 6. The articulating drill system of claim 5,wherein the drill is movable upon the drill base along a longitudinalaxis.
 7. The articulating drill system of claim 5, wherein the drill ismovable upon the drill base along a transverse axis.
 8. The articulatingdrill system of claim 5, wherein the drill base includes a base plateand a motor mount and wherein the drill motor is attached to the motormount and wherein said adjustment mechanism is in between the motormount and the base plate.
 9. The articulating drill system of claim 1,wherein the plate is pivotally attached to the second arm at a pluralityof selectable locations on the plate.
 10. The articulating drill systemof claim 1, further including a drill bit stabilizer rotativelyconnected to the drill bit and stabilizing the cutting axis upon whichthe cutting tip rotates, the stabilizer being detachably connected tothe plate, the stabilizer including a bearing which can pivot along withthe cutting axis upon which the cutting tip rotates also pivots.
 11. Thearticulating drill system of claim 1, further including a cutting tipstabilizer rotatively connected to the cutting tip and stabilizing thecutting axis upon which the cutting tip rotates, the cutting tipstabilizer including first and second stabilizer portions which areslidably connected to each other, the first stabilizer portion beingdetachably connected to the plate, and the second stabilizer portionbeing rotatively connected to the cutting tip, and further including astabilizer sliding lock having a first unlocked condition and a secondlocked condition, wherein in the first unlocked condition the first andsecond stabilizer portions of the cutting tip stabilizer can sliderelative to each other and in the second locked condition the first andsecond stabilizer portions of the cutting tip stabilizer are locked fromsliding relative to each other.
 12. An articulating drill system forcutting one or more tubular members, comprising: (a) a drill base; (b)an articulating boom having first and second end portions, the first endportion being attached to the drill base, the second end portion of thearticulating boom being attached to a plate having a plate opening; (c)a drill having a cutting tip and a drill rotary axis upon which thecutting tip rotates, the cutting tip supported upon the drill base; (d)a clamping mechanism attached to the plate that enables the plate to beattached to a tubular that is to be cut selected from the one or moretubular members, the clamping mechanism being configured to position theplate opening next to the tubular so that the cutting tip can passthrough the plate opening and then engage the tubular that is to be cut;(e) wherein the clamping mechanism and plate support the articulatingboom, drill and drill base; and (f) the articulating boom enablingplacement of the drill cutting tip relative to the plate opening. 13.The system of claim 12, wherein the boom is pivotally attached to theplate.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the articulating boom hasmultiple arms which are connected one arm to another arm.
 15. The systemof claim 14, wherein pivotal connections join each arm to another arm.16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first end of the articulatingboom can also be pivotally connected to the plate, and this pivotalconnection between the second end of the articulating boom and the plateincludes a quick lock/quick release system which can lock or unlock thepivoting connection.
 17. The system of claim 14, wherein there are threearms including a third arm and wherein the third arm includes a firstslider which slidingly connects the drill to the third arm and allowsfor selected linear movement of the drill relative to the third arm in afirst direction.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the third armincludes a second slider which slidingly connects the drill to the thirdarm and allows for selected linear movement of the drill relative to thethird arm in a second direction, wherein the second direction is notparallel to the first direction.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein thesecond direction is perpendicular to the first direction.
 20. Thearticulating drill system of claim 12, further comprising an adjustmentmechanism interfacing the drill motor and the base, said adjustmentmechanism enabling movement of the drill motor toward or away from thearticulating boom.
 21. The articulating drill system of claim 12,wherein the drill base includes a first lower base plate and a secondhigher base plate, the first base plate and second base plate beingmovable, one relative to the other.